Remote pumping station monitoring method

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for managing a pumping station. Two or more pumping station profiles can be associated with a remote pumping station. The profiles can include one or more parameters related to the pumping station. One or more conditions relating to the pumping station can be measured and can cause the running of a first pumping station profile. A second pumping station profile can be run in response to the completion of the first pumping station profile.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to pumping stations. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to waste water pumping stations.

BACKGROUND

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Pumping stations 2 for emptying sewage wells (FIG. 1 a) and filling water wells (FIG. 1 b) are known. These pumping stations 2 typically include a well 4 in which liquid 6 is located, a level sensor 8 for sensing the liquid level in the well 4, a pair of pumps 10 a, 10 b for pumping liquid into or out of the well 4 as required, and a controller (not shown) in communication with sensor 8 and for controlling the operation of the pumps 10 a, 10 b based on the sensed liquid level in the well 4. FIG. 1 shows various level trigger-points along the level sensor 8 in the form of electrodes. The controller independently activates or de-activates the pumps 10 a, 10 b with hysteresis in response to it sensing the liquid level via the level sensor 8.

In practice, the pumping stations 2 can be located in isolated and remote locations, and are not typically manned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing a pumping station, the method including the steps of:

associating two or more pumping station profiles with the pumping station, the pumping station profiles including a plurality of parameters relating to the pumping station;

measuring at least one operational and/or other condition related to the pumping station;

running a first of the two or more pumping station profiles in response to a measurement of the at least one operational and/or other condition related to the pumping station; and

automatically running a second of the two or more pumping station profiles in response to the completion of the first of the two or more pumping station profiles.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method or methods may include the step of requesting, using a computational device, a pumping station profile from the pumping station. In some embodiments, the invention may further include the step of receiving, with the computational device, the pumping station profile.

The step of requesting may involve periodically requesting the pumping station profile from the pumping station. The step of requesting may involve requesting the pumping station profile responsive to the receipt of user input.

In some embodiments, the pumping station profiles may be set up and stored remotely from the pumping station, such as on a remote controller (SCADA, DCS or the like). In this embodiment of the invention, the remote profiles may be activated by a command from the remote controller, such as by radio, Ethernet, cellphone, satellite signal, fixed phone line or the like, or by a combination thereof.

Alternatively, the pumping station profiles may be set up and stored on a local controller (i.e. a controller located at the pumping station). The profiles may be accessed manually, for instance via a keypad or touch screen interface.

In other embodiments, the pumping station profiles may be set up and stored on a portable memory device (such as a memory card or the like) which may be periodically, and as required, inserted into (or otherwise connected to) a suitable port provided on the local controller.

The pumping station profile may include one or more parameters. The one or more parameters may include any one or more of the following parameters: the mode of operation of the pumping station; the number of pumps of the pumping station; the number of pumps in the pumping station that may operate simultaneously; the activation set point of each pump; the deactivation set point of each pump; detectable faults for each pump; level alarms based on levels measured by each level sensor; pressure; the disabling of alarms under certain conditions (for instance, in an emergency); the number of wells of the pumping station; the rate of change of fluid levels within the pumping station; pump stop/start delays; minimum and maximum pump run times; partial or complete lock out/disablement of keypad or touch screen for maintenance; pump lock out; variable frequency drive (VFD) control to determine minimum and maximum pump speeds; and detectable faults for the pumping station. The parameters may be operational and/or configuration parameters of the pumping station.

It will be understood that there may be some overlap between the plurality of parameters relating to the pumping station, and the at least one operational condition, and any suitable parameter may also double as an operational condition. Further operational conditions may be selected from the fluid level in the pumping station, the fluid level in the individual wells, the rate of change of fluid level in the pumping station, the rate of change of fluid level in individual wells, the number of pumps operating in the pumping station, the number of wells operating in the pumping station, pump speed, valve opening percentage, the used and unused capacities of the pumping station and so on.

The other conditions related to the pumping station may be of any suitable type. For instance, the other conditions may be selected from temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall (either an average rainfall over a period of time or an instantaneous measurement of rainfall) and other climatic conditions such as wind speed, other precipitation (such as snow or hail) and the like. Further, the other conditions may include the time (time of day, time of year etc), calendar events (for instance, every day at a certain time, or every weekday at a certain time) and so on.

The other conditions may further include any event occurring at the pumping station, within the network, or remotely, such as power outages, maintenance (scheduled or unplanned), emergency conditions or the like, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a combination of one or more operational conditions and/or one or more other conditions may be measured, and a pumping station may be activated based on a combination of the conditions. Any suitable number of operational and/or other conditions may be combined to activate the pumping station profile.

The profiles may include one or more outputs that result in the actuation of a portion of the pumping station. For instance, the actuation of the portion of the pumping station may control operating parameters and/or operational conditions within the pumping station. For instance, the one or more outputs may direct valves to open and/or close and/or other devices (such as pumps etc) to activated or deactivate during the running of the profile. The outputs may be digital or analogue, such that the activation of the valves or other devices may be achieved either automatically or manually.

In some embodiments of the invention, the profiles may determine which analogue input is to be used.

The method may further include the step of updating, using the computational device, at least one of the pumping station profiles. The step of updating may involve previewing, using the computational device, a number of possible pumping station profiles; and selecting one of the possible pumping profiles. The method may further include the step of sending, using the computational device, the updated pumping station profile to the pumping station.

The method may further include the step of displaying information from the pumping station profile on a display of the computational device. The step of displaying may involve displaying the fluid level, and indicators of the activation set points and deactivation set points for the pumps.

In some embodiments of the invention, the method may include the management of a plurality of pumping stations. In this embodiment of the invention, the plurality of pumping stations may be interconnected so as to form a network. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the plurality of pumping stations may be operated in a manner that takes into account not just the operating conditions in a single pumping station, but the operating conditions in two or more of the pumping stations that form the network.

As previously stated, the completion of a first profile may automatically activate the running of second profile. For instance, a first profile may result in the fluid level in the well of the pumping station being lowered to a certain level to complete the profile. The completion of the profile may then activate a second profile to re-fill the well. A skilled addressee will understand, however, that any suitable profiles may be activated after each other, and that these profiles do not necessarily need to relate to the fluid level within the well.

In some embodiments, the completion of the second profile may automatically activate the running of a third pumping station profile. The third pumping station profile may be the same as, or different to, the first profile. Further, the completion of the third profile may automatically activate that the running of a fourth profile. It is envisaged that any suitable number of profiles may be thus linked in this way. The number of different profiles used may be the same as, or less than, the number of consecutive profiles activated. Thus, it is envisaged that the same profile may be run more than once depending on the measured conditions.

The automatic activation of profiles may occur in a set, predetermined order or sequence. Alternatively, it is envisaged that, in some embodiments of the invention, further measurement of the operational and/or other conditions may continue during the running of the profiles. In this way, the sequence of profiles run may not necessarily be predetermined, but may also vary based on measured changes in the operational and/or other conditions being experienced in the pumping station and/or network of pumping stations.

In some embodiments of the invention, a variation on a profile may be activated during the running of a profile. This may be done either to improve the efficiency of the pumping station or in response to events occurring elsewhere in the pumping station, the network or in response to climatic conditions. For instance, in profiles in which a pump is operating, the variation of the profile may activate a second pump within the pumping station to increase the speed at which, for instance, a well is being emptied. This may be done in response to, for instance, a signal that an influx of fluid to the pumping station is expected.

It will be understood that any operational parameter within the pumping station may be varied, including pump speed, valve opening percentages, or the like, or a combination thereof. It is envisaged that other parameters, such as the fluid level at which a particular alarm is set, or a fluid level that is the start or end point of a profile, could also be varied.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for managing a pumping station, the method including the steps of:

associating one or more pumping station profiles with the pumping station, the pumping station profiles including a plurality of parameters relating to the pumping station;

measuring at least one operational condition within the pumping station;

running a first of the one or more pumping station profiles in response to a measurement of the at least one operational condition within the pumping station; and

automatically running a variation of the first of the one or more pumping station profiles in response to the completion of at least a portion of the one or more pumping station profiles.

Any suitable variation of the profile may be run. For instance, if a profile calls for the operation of a single pump, or the opening of a single valve (or the like), the profile may be varied to activate a plurality of pumps or valves (for instance) in order to speed up the completion of the profile. This can be done either as an efficiency measure, or in response to changing conditions within the pumping station and/or network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic diagram of a pumping station for emptying a sewage well;

FIG. 1 b is a schematic diagram of a pumping station for filling a water well; and

FIGS. 2-6 are schematic diagrams of a pumping station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 2 there is shown a schematic diagram of a pumping station 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pumping station 20 includes a well 21 in which liquid 22 is located, a level sensor (not shown) for sensing the fluid level in the well 21, a pair of pumps 23 a, 23 b for pumping liquid into or out of the well 21 as required, and a controller (not shown) in communication with the level sensor (not shown) and for controlling the operation of the pumps 23 a, 23 b based on the sensed liquid level in the well 21. FIG. 2 shows various level trigger-points (represented by arrows) along the level sensor (not shown) in the form of electrodes. The controller independently activates or de-activates the pumps 23 a, 23 b in response to it sensing the liquid level via the level sensor.

In FIG. 2, the pumping station 20 is shown in a normal operating condition. The valve 26 is open, such that fluid is permitted to flow into the well 21 through conduit 27. The level of fluid 22 in the well 21 is just below the lead pump start point 24 at which one of the pumps 23 a, 23 b will be activated. If the fluid level continues to rise in the well 21 to the lag pump start point 25, the second of the pumps 23 a, 23 b will also be activated. In this way, the rate at which fluid 22 is pumped out of the well 21 through conduit 28 is increased as the fluid level approaches the high level alarm point 29.

It is envisaged that, between the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a command is received by the controller (not shown) to run a profile in the pumping station 20. This command may be received in response to the fluid level in the well 21 reaching a pump start point, or it may be in response to conditions elsewhere in a network of pumping stations, or climatic conditions.

In any event, the pumping station 20 in FIG. 3 is shown running a “minimum storage” profile in which the fluid 22 within the well 21 is reduced to a minimum level. In this profile, the valve 26 remains open, although the lead pump set start point 24 and the lag pump start point 25 are set at much lower fluid levels than in the normal operation profile illustrated in FIG. 2. In this way, the level of fluid 22 within the well 21 is maintained at a minimum level.

Once the operational conditions within the well 21 (including the fluid level) satisfy the minimum storage profile requirements (i.e. at the completion of the profile), the pumping station 20 will automatically run a second profile. In FIG. 4, the pumping station 20 is shown running the “maximum storage” profile. In this profile, fluid 22 is allowed to enter the well 21 through the valve 26. The lead pump start point 24 is set much higher than in the previous profiles, meaning that the well 21 is allowed to fill with fluid 22 up to this point before the pumps 23 a, 23 b activate to slow the rise of the fluid level.

The lead pump stop point 30 and the lag pump stop point 31 are set at levels below the pump start points 24, 25 but are still located in an upper portion of the well 21. Thus, the fluid level in the well 21 is maintained at a relatively high level, and within a relatively narrow band during the running of this profile.

The profile also includes commands to shut the valve 26 as required, and to operate one pump 23 a, 23 b only to maintain the desired fluid level.

In FIG. 5, the pumping station 20 is shown when running a “purge” profile. The activation of the purge profile may occur either automatically as the previous profile (maximum storage) reaches completion, or in response to a command received by the controller (not shown).

In this Figure, the valve 26 is again open to allow fluid 22 to enter the well 21, and the lag pump (either 23 a or 23 b) is activated at the lag pump start point 25. However, the lead pump (the other of 23 a or 23 b) is prevented from activating from the lead pump hold out point 32 until such time as the level of fluid 22 in the well 21 has dropped to the all pumps start point 33. At this point 33, both pumps 23 a, 23 b are activated, and both pumps 23 a, 23 b operate until such time as the level of fluid drops to the all pumps stop point 34. The all pumps stop point 34 represents the completion of the purge profile. Thus, the use of the all pumps stop point 34 within the purge profile may be seen as a variation of the purge profile.

In FIG. 6 it is shown that, at the completion of the purge profile, the pumping station 20 returns to the normal operation profile illustrated in FIG. 2. The running of the normal operation profile at the completion of the purge profile may be automatic based on the measurement of the completion of the purge profile, or it may be in response to a command received by the controller (not shown)

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art. 

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
 1. A method for managing a pumping station, the method including the steps of: associating two or more pumping station profiles with the pumping station, the pumping station profiles including a plurality of parameters relating to the pumping station; measuring at least one operational and/or other condition related to the pumping station; running a first of the two or more pumping station profiles in response to a measurement of the at least one operational and/or other condition related to the pumping station; and automatically running a second of the two or more pumping station profiles in response to the completion of the first of the two or more pumping station profiles.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method further includes the step of requesting, using a computational device, at least one of the two or more pumping station profiles from the pumping station.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the method further includes the step of receiving, with the computation device, the at least one of the two or more pumping station profiles.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the two or more pumping station profiles are set up and stored remotely from the pumping station.
 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the parameters include one or more of the mode of operation of the pumping station, the number of pumps of the pumping station, the number of pumps in the pumping station that may operate simultaneously, the activation set point of each pump, the deactivation set point of each pump, detectable faults for each pump, level alarms based on levels measured by each level sensor, pressure, the disabling of alarms under certain conditions, the number of wells of the pumping station, the rate of change of fluid levels within the pumping station, pump stop/start delays, minimum and maximum pump run times, partial or complete lock out/disablement of keypad or touch screen for maintenance, pump lock out, variable frequency drive control to determine minimum and maximum pump speeds, and detectable faults for the pumping station.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operational condition is selected from the fluid level in the pumping station, the fluid level in the individual wells, the rate of change of fluid level in the pumping station, the rate of change of fluid level in individual wells, the number of pumps operating in the pumping station, the number of wells operating in the pumping station, pump speed, valve opening percentage and the used and unused capacities of the pumping station.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one other condition is selected from temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall and other climatic conditions such as wind speed, other precipitation the time, calendar events, power outages, maintenance and emergency conditions.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profiles include one or more outputs that result in the actuation of a portion of the pumping station.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method further includes the step of updating, using a computation device, at least one of the pumping station profiles.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein updating at least one of the pumping station profiles involves previewing, using the computational device, a number of possible pumping station profiles and selecting one of the possible pumping station profiles.
 11. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the management of a plurality of pumping stations, the plurality of pumping stations being interconnected so as to form a network.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the completion of the second of the two or more pumping station profiles results in the running of a third pumping station profile.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein a sequence of pumping station profiles run is based on measured changes in the operation and/or other conditions experienced in the pumping station.
 14. A method for managing a pumping station, the method including the steps of: associating one or more pumping station profiles with the pumping station, the pumping station profiles including a plurality of parameters relating to the pumping station; measuring at least one operational condition within the pumping station; running a first of the one or more pumping station profiles in response to a measurement of the at least one operational condition within the pumping station; and automatically running a variation of the first of the one or more pumping station profiles in response to the completion of at least a portion of the one or more pumping station profiles. 